ODU (16-2) (6-0 C) -9 points vs. NC Wilmington (10-5) (5-1 C)
It was long overdue but I think I am onto something with this team from my hometown, namely ODU...
The # 1 and # 2 teams in the CAA Conference get together tonight at ODU with FIRST PLACE on the line...
It is no coincidence that the reason these teams are ahead is their DEFENSE, with ODU ranking 1st and NC Wilmington 2nd in the conference...
What many don't realize is HOW GOOD UNC WILMINGTON is at HOME, and I'd have to say that their HOME COURT advantage is the BIGGEST out of all the teams in the conference, with ODU a close second...
On the other hand, despite their 5-1 start, UNC WILMINTON is an AWFUL ROAD team, and they got lucky to beat the WORST team in this league by one point (JMU) recently on the road...
Also, the matchups favor ODU by a lot...
UNCW has a very good team this year, much better than most people had predicted, so I guess in that respect they are alot like ODU. The Seahawks have some very good shooters, that when they are on can be tough to defend.
Like many other games this year, ODU has much more talent and depth in the post, and must take advantage of it to win. ODU'S guards are a little faster than UNCW, but Goldsberry of NC Wilmington has great court presence and really plays smart. I would like to see ODU push the ball early and get out in front of them: If they do, which I believe they will, ODU should not have to look back...
One other note, UNCW is very suspect in defending drives to the hoop. I suspect ODU can get Drew, Issaih and company to explot that early.
ODU by 15 is my prediction...
BEST OF LUCK,
THE SHRINK
It was long overdue but I think I am onto something with this team from my hometown, namely ODU...
The # 1 and # 2 teams in the CAA Conference get together tonight at ODU with FIRST PLACE on the line...
It is no coincidence that the reason these teams are ahead is their DEFENSE, with ODU ranking 1st and NC Wilmington 2nd in the conference...
What many don't realize is HOW GOOD UNC WILMINGTON is at HOME, and I'd have to say that their HOME COURT advantage is the BIGGEST out of all the teams in the conference, with ODU a close second...
On the other hand, despite their 5-1 start, UNC WILMINTON is an AWFUL ROAD team, and they got lucky to beat the WORST team in this league by one point (JMU) recently on the road...
Also, the matchups favor ODU by a lot...
UNCW has a very good team this year, much better than most people had predicted, so I guess in that respect they are alot like ODU. The Seahawks have some very good shooters, that when they are on can be tough to defend.
Like many other games this year, ODU has much more talent and depth in the post, and must take advantage of it to win. ODU'S guards are a little faster than UNCW, but Goldsberry of NC Wilmington has great court presence and really plays smart. I would like to see ODU push the ball early and get out in front of them: If they do, which I believe they will, ODU should not have to look back...
One other note, UNCW is very suspect in defending drives to the hoop. I suspect ODU can get Drew, Issaih and company to explot that early.
ODU by 15 is my prediction...
BEST OF LUCK,
THE SHRINK